The first thing that you need to consider is how many people your dining room table is meant to seat. Consider large occasions as well as small ones; for instance, how many people are going to be seated during dinner, when it is likely that the whole family is going to be dining together? This is something that can make a big difference as to the model of the table that you buy. Is your home a center for special occasions and do you routinely host events? The truth of the matter is that the more people you host, the bigger your table should be!

The newer, expandable table can be an entry way table and then widen into a square card table, which would also be ideal for a small kitchen table for 4 people. When you have a large group of people over, expand the table even farther to seat 8 people or more. While you can always purchase fold-away chairs, a bench style seat is much more classic and elegant. The bench can also be pushed under the table to save space. If the bench is too long for the table when it is not expanded to its full length, you could always use the bench in another area of your home.